Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-11-04

Is III lHlefIldIlonaI struggle. he
battle of humanity must be fought
everywhere. One of our national
needs is to keep our people at home.
We want to stop forced imm!gra-
ton. Ireland has room and re-
sources for 100000 people, there
are 100000 there now, and at the
present rate of depopulation the
people will be driven from their
homes, in lifetime of a generation.
To this we object.
Ireland has been name for pow
erty and discomfort. But you know
not the ordeal we have passed
through Of centuries of persecution.
In all that time our people have
no record of crime committed by
them against human liberty. For
forty years England has systematic
ally carried out the work of expat-
ration. We are struggling against
it. This is our crime, we refuse to
acquicsce, and we are driven to pow
erty by laws expressly passed against
our manufacturing, an atrociously
unjust and cowardly policy. Emf
grafton under normal conditions
would be right. But no economic
necessity exists for it, but the re-
verse. No country is more in need
of the labor that is forced away
from it. Her thousands of acres
are suffering for want of cultivation.
When this labor reaches your shores
it is impoverished. 1t seeks en-
ployment in your eastern cities and
completes with you. Thus it con-
flicts with your working classes.
I thank you for this opportunity.
If it is not impertinent, | pray You
to be harmonious and wise, forbear-
irg and tolerant, so that your
enemies may he disappointed and
your friends have the happiness of
knowing that good has been accom-
pliShed."
After the address Mr.. Powderly
read the following resolutions:
Whereas, The knights of Labor stand by
the declaration of fndependenceoft the United
States, but believe at the same time that every
other people, has the right to life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness.
Resolved, That this assembly affirms the
right of Ireland to that independence for
which they have struggled so long.
Resolved, That we object to the attempt to
suppress the Irish people in their attempts at
reform, and we condemn as disgraceful the
system that reduces the Irish to starvation
and sends their people to other lands as paul
per labor.
Resolv ed, That we convey to Leland our
heartiest sympathy. We hail with pleasure
the peoples spirit of determination.
In regard to the resolutions Secre-
tary Litchman said:
owe are told that greater love no
man can have than will lead him to
give his life for his friends. Michael
Davitt has passed a long time in
prison. The door of the prison
stands open TO receive him on his
return. | am here as a member of
the Knights of Labor of the world,
of the United States, of England
and of Belgium. The toiling mil
lions are in sympathy with Mr..
Davitt's aims and know his devotion.
When his life closes he will receive
crown of glory"
He was followed by some half
dozen eloquent speakers. The Ger,
man, the Welchman, the English.
man and even the American-Indiar
extended their greeting and sym
pathy to DavItt. Mr.. Meyer, the
negro, said, pointing to Davitt, "a
see before me, / believe, the face Of
the Lincoln who will lead the Irish
race from slavery" Mrs. Leonard
Barry sent messages of sympathy
from 100000 women of Americ'
to their struggling sisters in Ireland
The meeting then adjourned to Civ
the members a chance to grasp Mr.
Davitt's hand. He is not membe
of the knights of Labor, but he j
loyal son of Erin, and well de
serves the love and esteem of hi
countrymen. Mr.. Davitt ha
} started on his return to Ireland
May God grant him a happ
voyage, and guard him through hi
future trials. He has written a
= interesting book entitled "Leave
) from Prison Diary"
| will write you more anon.
, PORTER II. DALE.
Minneapolis, MINI,